UAE fights coronavirus: Don't go out unless absolutely necessary

Dubai - Covid-19 can be contracted from asymptomatic people who can spread it in the community unknowingly.

Keeping in mind one of the most dangerous aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic - that it has no vaccine - doctors and experts have warned people from stepping out unnecessarily.

"As we don't have any available vaccine for Covid-19 and the effectiveness of treatment is still not proven, the only way to help yourself in such pandemic is not to catch the infection. The coronavirus can be contracted from asymptomatic people who can spread it in the community unknowingly. Therefore, to stay at home and to go out for just necessities has proved to be a very effective protocol in protecting people and containing the disease," said Dr Ahmed Abdelhameed, specialist internal medicine, Medcare Women & Children Hospital.

He added that if one needs to go outside, then he/she should avoid crowded places and social gatherings, use face mask all the time and maintain minimal distance of two metres from other people.

Keeping in mind the importance of restricting movement and keeping people engaged at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, Pallavi Bhargava, founder of a Dubai-based food company, launched budget-friendly surprise recipe boxes called Basil Box.

Bhargava said: "A lot of restrictions have been eased and it definitely is giving back the confidence, especially to the small businesses. However, be more responsible now than ever, use online services and do your part to help flatten the curve by staying home as much as possible. Hence, we have launched this recipe box to minimise movement, receive good produce, avoid unnecessary wastage and give household an activity to do to take away boredom and anxiety."

Dr Sandeep Pargi, specialist pulmonology, Aster Hospital, Mankhool, added that the need of the hour is to limit face-to-face contact with others. "This is the best way to reduce the spread of Covid-19. In addition to everyday steps to prevent this virus from spreading, limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you-or they-have no symptoms."
Keep in mind:

> Step out only if it's necessary

> Wear face masks all times when stepping out of your home

> Don't go out for entertainment but only run critical errands. Even if you have to go to shop important stuff, be focused and get back swiftly

> Use your knees, feet, elbows and knuckles instead of your fingers to touch surfaces outside the house as you won't be touching your face with contaminated fingers then.

> Maintain safe distance from the other people - at least 6 feet when out in public

> Look for the automatic option for opening door or entering building so you don't have to touch door handles and knobs.

> Watch where you place your phone- try keeping it in your pocket and not on any surfaces

> Wash your hands every time you leave and come back home

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• KT For Good
• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai